Pelaut ADIPATI l Kalitbang INDOMARITIM l CEO TRUST l Presiden SPI l Volunteer INMETA
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, now leads the country in a geopolitical context full of challenges. As international relations continue to evolve, Prabowo’s efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s position in Southeast Asia, along with his recent state visits to major countries like Malaysia and India, have generated optimism. This has provided a clearer picture of the direction of Indonesia’s foreign and geopolitical policies under his leadership.
One key factor influencing both global and domestic geopolitics is China’s rapidly developing economic policies. One such policy that deserves attention is China’s trade-in scheme, which has successfully boosted the sales of household appliances in the country. This policy has had a positive impact on China’s economy, stimulating domestic consumption while introducing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products. The policy reflects China’s ongoing shift toward a green technology and sustainability-driven economy. Indonesia, as a neighboring country and strategic partner, must be able to assess the impact of this policy and adjust both its foreign and domestic policies to seize the opportunities arising from it.
Prabowo Subianto brings substantial strengths to navigating global geopolitics, leveraging both his military background and extensive international political connections. As a former TNI general, Prabowo positions Indonesia as a major power with strong defense capabilities, which positively influences its relations with other large countries in the region, such as Malaysia and India. Additionally, Prabowo’s personal and diplomatic ties with leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi present greater opportunities for Indonesia to solidify its position in Southeast Asia.
However, despite his diplomatic strengths, Prabowo faces several challenges in geopolitics, one of which is the issue of migrant workers. The shooting of an Indonesian migrant worker by Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency in January 2025 underscores that Indonesia continues to struggle with protecting its citizens abroad. Furthermore, Indonesia’s reliance on bilateral relations with major countries such as Malaysia and China represents a weakness. This dependency may place Indonesia in a more constrained position, limiting its ability to make independent diplomatic decisions.
China’s trade-in scheme for household appliances, which has attracted more than 37 million consumers, presents a significant opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its economic ties with China. This policy includes subsidies for energy-efficient products like microwaves, dishwashers, and rice cookers, signaling growing inclusivity and opening doors for Indonesian products that are competitive in the green technology and energy efficiency sectors. Indonesia can boost exports of sustainable manufactured goods, such as renewable energy products or appliances that promote environmentally friendly consumption.
Indonesia can also leverage its relationships with major countries like India and Malaysia, while strengthening its active role within ASEAN, to advocate for regional interests, ranging from political stability to economic cooperation. In this context, Prabowo has a substantial opportunity to position Indonesia as a regional leader, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and green infrastructure—areas that are also becoming central to China’s development priorities.
However, Indonesia must also face significant challenges in its geopolitics. Tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly those involving the United States, China, and other major powers, force Indonesia to maintain a neutral stance and avoid being caught in a great power rivalry that could harm national interests. In this context, Indonesia must tread carefully in managing its relationship with China, a key trade partner, while also strengthening relations with other major powers to prevent over-reliance on one country.
Moreover, Indonesia must ensure that its foreign policy decisions are not solely driven by economic interests but also consider domestic social and political factors. Issues such as the protection of migrant workers and dependence on the informal sector are critical challenges that the government must address seriously. Indonesia’s foreign policy must align with the aspirations of its people and prioritize national welfare while ensuring that the country remains a respected player in the international arena.
China’s success with its trade-in policy provides a clear example of how domestic policy can have a positive impact on a country’s economy while opening up opportunities for international cooperation. For Indonesia, this policy serves as a pivotal moment to strengthen cooperation with China in sustainable sectors like renewable energy and green technology.
However, Prabowo must carefully manage Indonesia’s diplomatic relations amid global tensions, ensuring that the country maintains a flexible foreign policy that supports both political and economic independence. In navigating an ever-changing geopolitical landscape, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to leverage its strategic position in Southeast Asia and emerge as a leader capable of managing challenges while seizing opportunities on the global stage.
With wise foreign policy decisions, Indonesia can optimize its relationships with major countries while safeguarding national interests and ensuring the welfare of its people. Prabowo has the opportunity to solidify Indonesia’s position as a global power, not only politically but also economically, in a world increasingly focused on sustainability and green technology.
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